The new program is part of the Women in Technology and Entrepreneurship in NY (WiTNY) and will provide paid internships for up to 200 CUNY women in their freshman or sophomore year who are studying computer science or related fields. The first Winternships will happen over a two week period during winter break in January 2018.

Winternships will help open the door for women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to participate in the quickly growing NY tech ecosystem. With CUNY being the most diverse educational institution in the United States, we have no doubt women from all walks of life will get a chance to see our tech industry up close.

Yesterday at the new Cornell Tech campus, members from the New York tech community and City Hall came together to debut the program. The program will be bolstered by a new marketing campaign aimed at expanding the company pool from which “winterns” will have the opportunity to take on projects. The campaign will also push more young women in New York to explore degree and careers in technology, including digital advertising on social media and on LinkNYC kiosks across NYC.

“Cornell Tech is proud to partner with CUNY and dozens of tech companies who are dedicated to launching the next generation of women in tech in New York,” said Judith Spitz, Cornell Tech’s WiTNY Program Director. “Winternships will give CUNY freshmen and sophomores that first ‘foot in the door’ and an early look into what their future in tech could look like as they build their skills, confidence, and network.”

Companies that will be participating this winter include Tech:NYC members Accenture, AppNexus, Bitly, Blackstone, Citi, Microsoft, Oath, Turner, Warby Parker and many others. If your company would like to offer Winternships, please get in touch!